Classic pudding mix meets Ninja Creami magic to create the creamiest homemade ice cream with zero cooking required. This foolproof recipe works with any pudding flavor and delivers that perfect diner-style frozen dessert texture every time.
Ingredients
- 1 package instant pudding mix, 3.4 oz (any flavor)
- 2 cups milk, dairy or dairy-free
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetener, optional
- Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Fresh berries
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
- Brownie pieces
- Peanut butter swirls
Instructions
Mix the pudding base.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract if using, sweetener if using, and salt. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Make sure there are no lumps left.
Taste and adjust.
Taste the mixture before freezing. If you want a sweeter dessert, add a little more sweetener. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, add a small splash more vanilla extract. The base should taste slightly sweeter than you want the final dessert to taste because freezing dulls sweetness.
Pour into the pint.
Transfer the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure it stays below the MAX FILL line. Leave a little room at the top if you plan to add mix-ins later.
Freeze completely.
Place the lid on the pint and freeze it upright for at least 24 hours. For the best result, freeze it on a level surface so the mixture sets evenly.
Spin in the Ninja Creami.
Remove the pint from the freezer and place it into the outer bowl assembly. Attach the lid and process it using the Ice Cream or Lite Ice Cream setting depending on the texture you want.
Check the texture.
After the first spin, the mixture may look crumbly or a little dry. This is normal. Use a spoon to check the center before deciding whether it needs more liquid.
Re-spin if needed.
If the texture is not creamy enough, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and run the Re-spin cycle. Repeat once more if necessary until smooth and scoopable.
Add mix-ins.
If you want extra texture, make a small well in the center of the ice cream, add your mix-ins, and run the Mix-ins cycle to distribute them evenly.
Serve.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 30 to 60 minutes if you want a firmer scoop.
Recipe Tips
- Whole milk gives the richest texture, but any milk works.
- Vanilla, chocolate, and cheesecake pudding mixes all work beautifully.
- A pinch of salt helps the flavor taste fuller and more balanced.
- If the mixture tastes too bland, add a little more vanilla extract before freezing.
- Fruit toppings or cookie pieces make great finishing touches.